We, the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana, are monastic women seeking God through the Benedictine tradition of community life, prayer, hospitality, and service to others. By our life and work, we commit ourselves to be a presence of peace as we join our sisters and brothers in the common search for God.

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Reflection: Mark 6:7-13

Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time – Mark
6:7-13

Today Jesus sends His
disciples out to preach, teach, and heal. Jesus was wise. Jesus
knew that since they were beginning preachers they would need support. He
also realized that the disciples would be more effective if they had companions
in this ministry. Thus, He sent them out in pairs.

Jesus instructed the
disciples to take nothing with them on their journey: no food, no extra
clothing, no money.This meant that His
disciples would have to depend on the generosity of the people to meet their
needs. I wonder how Jesus’ disciples reacted to His instructions.
Were they tempted to carry some food or a change of clothing along with them or
did they trust that God and generous people would provide for them?

The disciples left and
began preaching. Amazingly, they were
able to work miracles! They drove out demons and cured people who were
seriously ill. Imagine what was it like for these disciples to have the
ability to perform healings and miracles, to preach and to teach. These
men were not learned. They were simple fishermen and workers, yet Jesus
empowered them to bring healing and give spiritual food to others.

Today Jesus also calls us
to preach and teach. We are His disciples in our world. Jesus calls
us to reach out and touch others with our love, care, and concern. In a
world in which most everyone is too busy to slow down, we can give the gift of
our interest, time, and support. This
may not sound like much of a gift, but a few minutes of being present to
another person may be the most precious gift he or she will receive today.